Patagonia Olulu Shoes Review

I’ve been impressed by Patagonia’s trail running shoes, so I was very anxious to give some of their more casual shoes a whirl. So, the low-profile Patagonia Olulu shoes have been my everyday office shoes for a few weeks. My summary? Superlight and comfortable.

Opanka stitched outsole construction provides durability while minimizing the use of solvents and adhesives

Medium width, full toe box, medium arch/instep

325 g (11 oz)

Colors: Sable Brown (tested), Dark Burlap

MSRP: $120

Patagonia Olulu Shoes Review

I’m always on the lookout for a good casual shoe with an outdoorsy spin. The Patagonia Olulu shoes are a great example of what Patagonia is doing right for the outdoor industry. The construction of the Olulu’s focuses on minimizing solvents and maximizing the use of recycled or sustainable materials. The uppers feature a combination of hemp and suede leather and the bathtub-style honeycomb outsole simplifies the design while providing a slipper-like feel.

So what do I really like about these? Lets start with the overall comfort. These are definitely a low profile design with minimal to no ramping, so you get a very natural feel. As I mentioned before, it’s quite slipper-like with no hard edges, just a natural roll with every step. That natural roll is matched with a well-cushioned, but supportive midsole and a soft insole. Many times I need to wear SOLE or Superfeet insoles in my shoes, but not with these. My flat feet are well-cradled and the minimalist style of these never feels unnatural or uncomfortable.

I’ve walked miles per day in these shoes and have not once felt uncomfortable. With so many clunky and overbuilt shoes on the market, the Olulu’s are refreshing in their simple comfort. I also dig the wide toebox, which allows my toes to wiggle in comfort.

The suede and hemp uppers breathe very well and keep my feet comfortable — this is no small thing as my feet are typically too warm in most leather shoes. I have noticed a little wear in the toes where the suede is getting scuffed, but other than that I’m seeing little signs of use on both the uppers and outsoles.

As far as traction goes, I’m not about to go hiking in these, but traction is solid for around town and normal activities. Their comfort lends themselves to walks with the kids and general mayhem.

Good Olulu

Wide toebox allows for plenty of wiggle room

The tub-like outsole makes for smooth walking

Low-profile comfort

Lightweight design never feels bulky

No break-in period

Surprisingly supportive and comfortable for my flat feet right out of the box

Highly breathable

Bad Olulu

Low profile doesn’t provide much wet or snow protection

I’d rather see full-grain leather/hemp combo, but that’s more of a personal preference

My right shoe has some sort of clicking going on in the midsole that comes and goes, but seems to be fading over time

Bottom Line: Patagonia Olulu Shoes

I dig the lightweight comfort of the Patagonia Olulu’s. Some may not appreciate the low-profile and rolling-friendly lowers, but my feet feel cradled and my stride uninhibited in the office and around town. Think of these as office-friendly slippers. Not just any slippers… the most comfortable slippers you own — yeah, that’s about right.

About Author

A Seattle native, Jason developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 --sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.